Work to restore Ta Tung Pagoda, a relic at the site of King Minh Mang's tomb, has begun in Hue.

The work, being carried out by the Institute of Construction Science and Technology, will see the pagoda's foundation, wooded frame, and roof reinforced and restored, and the water and lighting systems improved.

It will cost nearly 7 billion VND (336,500 USD), and the money will come from the World Monument Fund (46,000 USD) and the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre 6.3 billion VND (302,900 USD).

The work is expected to be finished in July 2012.

The pagoda was built during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty's King Minh Mang (1821-44) to worship meritorious courtiers, and is located to the left of Sung An Temple, where the king is venerated.

The 180sq.m pagoda's wooden frame has rotted, while decorations are broken and the original tiled roof has been replaced with corrugated sheets./.